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As many of you know, I am leaving the team Friday to pursue a career opportunity outside of football.
For a lifelong fan of the game, it’s a painful switch but I’m moving with a smile on my face and an appreciation for everything fans, players, coaches and colleagues have given me over the past three [...]

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Biermann “Dancing with the Stars”

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 12, 2010

Defensive end Kroy Biermann made headlines in 2009 for his kicking ability.

Now he’s looking to do the same on the dance floor.

Biermann will be raising money for the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in a “Dancing with the Stars” event at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Foundry at Puritan Mill.

The official name is “Dancing Stars Atlanta” and Biermann has been spending a chunk of his offseason practicing for the competition. Ambassador Andrew Young is the honorary event chairman.

“I’ve got a great partner,” Biermann told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “She really knows what she’s doing. I think we’ll come up with a pretty good routine.”

Fans can purchase tickets to support Biermann in person or vote for him online with a monetary donation.

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Five (or Six) Links to Review Mini Camp

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 10, 2010

I’ve been in this business for seven seasons and, without fail, the best barometer for preseason expectations — perhaps success — comes with the amount of media attention.

The earlier the better.

So imagine the reaction when there were almost too many links to list from the Falcons weekend mini camp.

Sure, I could have pulled together some Birdseed but I’d probably lose you after the first key stroke.

Instead, here are my five (six if you count AF.com) for a well-rounded picture of what happened in The Branch. It’s a lot to digest but isn’t that a good thing?

  1. Mini Camp Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
  2. Mini Camp Posts on D. Led’s Blog (AJC)
  3. Mini Camp Notes from Daniel Cox (Examiner.com)
  4. Mini Camp Blog from Pat Yasinskas (NFC South on ESPN.com)
  5. Mini Camp Fan Reports on the Falcoholic
  6. Mini Camp Fan Breakdowns on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards
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Tryout Players Join Roster

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 10, 2010

The Falcons announced the addition of two players to the active roster who tried out with the team during last weekend’s mini camp.

Quarterback Eric Ward and defensive back Daylan Walker will re-join the team May 17 when rookies return for a four-practice session.

An Atlanta native, Ward (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) played at Richmond, completing 784 passes for 8,969 yards and 61 touchdowns in his career. He also rushed for 1,406 yards and 22 scores. Ward threw for more than 2,300 yards and 16 scores last season.

He holds single-season school records in completion percentage, passing yards, attempts and completions. He also tied the single-season record with 17 touchdown passes in 2008. Ward ranked 26th in the nation with a career-best 141.5 passer rating the same season.

He joins Matt Ryan, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley and John Parker Wilson on the quarterback depth chart.

Walker (5-foot-9, 177 pounds) totaled 152 career tackles, three picks and 16 passes defensed at Arkansas State. He notched 51 tackles, an interception and seven pass breakups last year and ranked third on the team with 65 tackles in 2008.

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Mini Camp Highlights: Day 2

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 8, 2010

Cooler air welcomed the Falcons back to the field on Day Two of mini camp but the oppressive heat was exchanged for a stiff breeze that sent pre-practice punts spiraling and passes sailing.

That created some difficult situations for the offense, which did manage to even the score a bit with a spirited group of defenders.

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Additional highlights of the day include a continued push by the secondary for ball disruptions and some familiar names in the run game…

  • Matt Ryan connected with Tony Gonzalez for a 20-yard touchdown in 7-on-7 drills — a beautiful throw that found the perfect spot above Dunta Robinson and two other closing defenders.
  • Spencer Adkins had a nice play filling a gap in the afternoon. If it were a live scrimmage, he’d likely drop Jason Snelling for a loss.
  • Snelling bounced back with a nice run on a draw play. Again, no tackling during mini camp.
  • Head Coach Mike Smith said defensive end Jamaal Anderson will see more time at tackle in camp, particularly in “sub packages.” He’s still an end in base situations.
  • Roddy White benefited from a sharper-throwing Ryan, recording several nice grabs over the middle of the field. Same for Michael Jenkins.

For an additional commentary on practices, which were open to the public, I suggestion breakdowns from message boarders (special thanks to all those guys for sharing their thoughts).

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

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Birdseed: May 8, 2010

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 8, 2010

My pasty white legs and I made it through the first two-a-day of mini camp without much of a sun burn.

That’s surprising considering the surface-of-the-sun like heat that found its way to Flowery Branch almost three months early.

Not sure what to say to the 163 people who looked at the picture of my legs on Twitter.

With that awkwardness out of the way…

Complete Mini Camp Coverage from AF.com
Photos, video recaps and more from the web team.

Minicamp: Norwood, Johnson held out of practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If this were training camp, players may work through some pain. But this is a time for precaution and taking mental reps. The season is still a ways off.

Sights and Sounds from minicamp, Day 1, Examiner.com
Heat was certainly one of the stories from Day One.

‘The Burner’ is back and in top shape, ESPN.com
This would be the other story from the first day of practice… Michael Turner showed flashes that resembled his Pro Bowl year of 2008.

Falcons begin 2010 minicamp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AJC photos from the first day of Falcons mini camp. Sunny days equal beautiful images.

Robinson glides through his first practice with the Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The veteran cornerback also took extra time after practice to work with rookie Dominique Franks. That’s the stuff that pays dividends in September.

Dunta Robinson Anxious for Challenge of Reviving Falcons’ Defense, NFL Fanhouse
So eager was Robinson, he went to morning meetings in his practice jersey.

2010 Atlanta Falcons rookies look to add depth, competition, Examiner.com
“The deeper that your roster gets, the more competition that you’re going to have,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “To me, that’s a great thing, not only for the guys on our team, but for the coaching staff and the fans.”

‘Daddy Lion’ Peterson serving as mentor for Falcons’ ‘Baby’ LB Weatherspoon, The Canadian Press
Sean Weatherspoon’s nickname of “Baby Lion” makes Mike Peterson “Daddy Lion.”

Mike Smith demanding more from Falcons in year three, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pat Yasinskas made a great point in our chat Friday afternoon — “The Falcons are a middle-age team.”

Sean Weatherspoon makes a positive first impression with his Atlanta Falcons teammates, Examiner.com
“The young guy can run,” Peterson said. “I’m pretty sure he can hit.”

Atlanta Falcons begin 2010 minicamp with a simple approach, Examiner.com
Three points for the Falcons: Attitude, effort and technique.

The Falcons shift folks around on defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Notes on defense and the lack of Big 10 attention in Falcons drafts.

Early impressions of the Falcons, ESPN.com
Rookie receiver Kerry Meier caught Yasinskas eye in practice No. 1. He’s included in our brief, YouTube highlight package.

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Mini Camp Highlights: Day 1

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 7, 2010

Looking back at this first day of Falcons mini camp, I can’t help but wonder what training camp is going to look like.

Yes, it’s months away. Yes, the weather will be much warmer. Yes, this is an example of looking too far ahead when I’m constantly telling fans to live in the moment.

But if the Falcons can keep the enthusiasm they showed Friday morning through the 2010 season, who knows what can happen…

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Highlights from the day are mostly on defense (with the exception of that Jerious Norwood spin move at the 1:11 mark).

There were no less than seven interceptions — possibly more since there are some drills that split the team onto different sides of the field with different quarterbacks. Rookie Domonique Franks had a pick. So did Thomas DeCoud, Mike Peterson and Dunta Robinson.

Running back Michael Turner has the burst he showed during pre-injured times and got plenty of work. As did John Abraham.

More coming tomorrow from mini camp, including an interview with ESPN.com blogger and reporter Pat Yasinskas.

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

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Five Tryout Players at Mini Camp

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 7, 2010

It’s not unusual for teams to welcome in players for extended tryouts over mini camp. The Falcons have five:

  • P Robert Maver (University of Guelph)
  • QB Eric Ward (Richmond)
  • WR R.J. Webb (Furman)
  • DB Daylan Walker (Arkansas State)
  • DE Steven Stone (Vanderbilt)

Ward is the only local player in the group, listing Atlanta as his home town. In 2008, he set Southwest DeKalb school records in passing yards, completion percentage and completions. He tied the record of 17 touchdown passes.

Maver was a fifth-round draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.

Webb played four seasons at Furman totaling eight touchdowns. In 2009 he recorded 31 catches for 322 yards and four touchdowns — career highs.

Walker is a native of Tennessee who recorded three interceptions in 43 career games at Arkansas State.

Stone had started 27 games (nine sacks) heading into his senior season at Vandy but broke his foot on Aug. 17. He returned for the second half of the season.

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A Look at Freddie’s Offseason

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 5, 2010

We all try to take a little vacation during the off months but, with mini camp coming up in just more than a day, it’s time to return to the daily grind.

This holds true for mascots as well as bloggers.

That said, I’ve got some footage showing Freddie Falcon enjoyed his time away.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/304105/304105_2010-05-04-144732.flv

The Bird will stay plenty busy over the coming months with appearances and various other events. But good to see he got some R&R…

How’s that for a little Wednesday afternoon randomness?

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“State of the Franchise” on May 11

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 4, 2010

Continuing a tradition started last season, Falcons decision makers will speak directly to fans at the “State of the Franchise” event on May 11.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and it will be broadcast live on AF.com.

We’ll have more coverage on the site leading up to the event, which will feature  Owner and CEO Arthur Blank, President Rich McKay, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith discussing the offseason and preview the 2010 season.

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Birdseed: May 3, 2010

By J. Michael Moore | Published: May 3, 2010

As many of you know, I grew up in and around Nashville, Tenn. So, most of my Internet time over the last three days has been spent following the historic flooding overtaking the city — including my hometown.

There are no reports of major damage or injury to anyone in my family or circle of friends, but I’m still thinking about everyone facing tragedy. It’s simply surreal to see footage of one’s boyhood neighborhoods under water.

This is also another case study for the power of social media.

I’ve spent more time on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube learning about the crisis than local news sites (my mother tells me one of the television stations itself is flooded).

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I know this isn’t Falcons related, but it is news as it regards to how we consume our information and a reason to — if you haven’t already — reach out to anyone you may know in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

I’d certainly appreciate it.

Falcons Staffers Support Community, J. Mike’s Missives
Friday was a special day for the Falcons front office, this blogger included.

Rookies set to start earning their stripes at mini-camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The fun starts this Friday in Flowery Branch. Fans are welcome to both practices Saturday.

Sports celebrities past and present pitch in at Bethesda’s youth camp, Savannah Morning News
Falcons hit the road for this community event.

The Best and Worst Sports Seasons in Atlanta History, and Other Stuff, The Falcoholic
Graphs, numbers stats and everything in between.

NFL QB’s life-saving advice for men, Savannah Morning News
Former Falcons quarterback shares part of his post-football story.

AJC: Rookie Falcons Look To Have Prominent Roles In 2010, The Falcoholic
Is it just me, or is quarterback about the only position where it’s “OK” for a rookie not to make an immediate impact. Even then, sometimes they do. It’s a “what have you done for me lately” league.

Mini Boot Camp, The Canvas by Superfan
Falco introduces Falcons rookie to a special part of the fan tradition.

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